The Best Places to See the Northern Lights

The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles, and witnessing them is a bucket-list experience for many travelers. These natural light displays, caused by the interaction of solar particles with the Earth’s atmosphere, can be seen in various locations across the Northern Hemisphere. While they are unpredictable, there are certain regions where the chances of seeing them are significantly higher.

From the icy wilderness of Alaska to the remote landscapes of Siberia, there are many destinations that offer ideal conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. Whether you're looking for a winter adventure in Norway or prefer the comfort of a glass igloo in Finland, each location offers a unique experience. Here, we explore the best places to witness the magical display of the Northern Lights.

1. Alaska

• Best Time to Visit: September to March
• Latitude: 64°N (Fairbanks)
• Accessibility: Direct flights to Anchorage and Fairbanks; road trips to remote viewing spots
• Accommodation: Hotels, lodges, and remote cabins in Fairbanks and Denali
• Viewing Conditions: Clear skies, low light pollution
• Unique Features: Proximity to Denali National Park and the Yukon Territory for extended exploration

Alaska offers some of the most consistent and spectacular Northern Lights sightings in North America, especially in areas like Fairbanks and Denali National Park. The long, dark winters provide ideal conditions for watching the auroras dance across the sky. For the best experience, you’ll want to venture into areas with minimal light pollution and clear skies, far from city lights. The state’s remoteness also ensures that once you’re in “the zone,” you’re almost guaranteed to witness the phenomenon during peak season.

In addition to aurora viewing, Alaska offers incredible landscapes, from towering mountains to expansive wilderness. You can combine your trip with visits to national parks like Denali or explore the nearby Yukon Territory for more adventure. Remote cabins and lodges offer perfect locations for seeing the lights, while also providing an immersive experience in Alaska’s vast natural beauty.

2. Norway

• Best Time to Visit: September to March
• Latitude: 69°N (Alta)
• Accessibility: Direct flights to Tromsø and Alta, good road and ferry networks to remote areas
• Accommodation: Hotels, lodges, glass igloos, and traditional Sami tents
• Viewing Conditions: Frequent aurora activity, long winter nights
• Unique Features: Rich Sami culture, reindeer safaris, fjords and coastal landscapes

Norway, particularly the northern regions such as Tromsø and Alta, is one of the best places in Europe to experience the Northern Lights. The long polar nights from September to March create ideal conditions for aurora viewing, with almost guaranteed sightings on clear nights. Thanks to Norway's well-developed infrastructure, traveling to remote areas for the best views is relatively easy, whether by car, ferry, or even guided tours.

The region’s dramatic landscapes, including fjords and snow-covered mountains, add to the magic of watching the Northern Lights here. Unique accommodation options, such as glass igloos and Sami tents, provide an immersive experience while staying close to nature. Visitors can also enjoy learning about the rich Sami culture and participate in activities like reindeer safaris, making Norway a destination that offers much more than just aurora viewing.

3. Scotland

• Best Time to Visit: November to February
• Latitude: 57°N (Isle of Skye)
• Accessibility: Direct flights to Inverness or Edinburgh, scenic drives to remote areas
• Accommodation: Cozy cottages, hotels, and rural lodges
• Viewing Conditions: Variable weather, darker skies in remote areas like the Isle of Skye
• Unique Features: Dramatic coastal landscapes, medieval castles, proximity to Highlands and rugged wilderness

While Scotland may not be the first place that comes to mind for Northern Lights, the country offers some spectacular views if you know where to go. The best places to witness the auroras are in remote, northern locations like the Isle of Skye and the Scottish Highlands, where light pollution is minimal, and the night skies are at their darkest. The winter months, from November to February, offer the clearest opportunities for aurora viewing, though weather conditions can be unpredictable.

Aside from the Northern Lights, Scotland’s dramatic coastal landscapes, medieval castles, and proximity to the Highlands make it an excellent destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. For the best experience, plan your stay in rural lodges or cozy cottages far from city lights. Even if the auroras are elusive, the breathtaking scenery of Scotland’s wilderness offers a memorable backdrop for your trip.

4. Siberia, Russia

• Best Time to Visit: December to February
• Latitude: 68°N (Murmansk)
• Accessibility: Direct flights to Murmansk; train and road options to remote areas
• Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses, and remote cabins in the Kola Peninsula
• Viewing Conditions: Cold, clear skies with minimal light pollution
• Unique Features: Remote, untouched wilderness, extreme winter landscapes

If you're willing to brave the cold, Siberia offers some of the most pristine and isolated locations for viewing the Northern Lights. The best place to head is the Kola Peninsula, particularly around the city of Murmansk, where clear skies and the lack of light pollution create optimal conditions. The winter months of December through February are ideal for aurora sightings, but the extreme cold can be challenging, with temperatures often plunging below freezing.

The remote wilderness of Siberia offers a sense of adventure that few other places can match. Visitors can stay in guesthouses or remote cabins, immersing themselves in the stark beauty of the region. Although the cold is intense, the reward is a view of the Northern Lights in one of the most unspoiled settings on Earth. Combine this with the raw beauty of Siberia’s winter landscapes for a truly unforgettable experience.

5. Iceland

• Best Time to Visit: September to April
• Latitude: 64°N (Reykjavik)
• Accessibility: Direct flights to Reykjavik; easy access to aurora viewing spots by road
• Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses, and countryside cabins
• Viewing Conditions: Clear nights, minimal light pollution outside Reykjavik
• Unique Features: Geothermal hot springs, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes

Iceland is one of the most popular destinations for Northern Lights viewing, thanks to its accessibility and stunning landscapes. Visitors can catch the lights just outside Reykjavik or venture into the countryside for an even better view. The best time to visit is from September to April, when the nights are longest and the skies are often clear. Geothermal activity across the island means you can combine aurora viewing with a soak in one of Iceland’s many hot springs.

Whether you stay in a countryside cabin or one of Reykjavik’s many guesthouses, you’re never far from breathtaking scenery. Famous sites like the Blue Lagoon and the Golden Circle add to the magic of an Icelandic trip. Iceland’s combination of natural wonders and the Northern Lights makes it one of the top destinations for a unique and unforgettable experience.

6. Sweden (Abisko)

• Best Time to Visit: November to March
• Latitude: 68°N (Abisko)
• Accessibility: Flights to Kiruna, then road or train to Abisko
• Accommodation: Hotels, lodges, and Aurora Sky Station
• Viewing Conditions: Clear skies, minimal light pollution, long nights
• Unique Features: Aurora Sky Station, Arctic landscapes, Sami culture

Abisko, in northern Sweden, is considered one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. The area’s microclimate results in clear skies, which combined with minimal light pollution, offers excellent conditions for aurora viewing. The best time to visit is from November to March, with the longest nights providing the most consistent opportunities for seeing the lights. Abisko is home to the Aurora Sky Station, a specially designed viewing platform that enhances the experience with educational tours and cozy facilities.

In addition to aurora viewing, visitors can explore the stunning Arctic landscapes and experience the rich Sami culture through activities like reindeer sledding. Whether staying in a cozy lodge or visiting the Sky Station, Abisko provides a magical setting for witnessing the Northern Lights in one of Sweden’s most pristine environments.

7. Finland (Lapland)

• Best Time to Visit: September to March
• Latitude: 67°N (Rovaniemi)
• Accessibility: Direct flights to Rovaniemi and Ivalo, with good road connections
• Accommodation: Glass igloos, log cabins, hotels, and wilderness lodges
• Viewing Conditions: Long winter nights with frequent aurora activity
• Unique Features: Glass igloos, reindeer and husky safaris, Santa Claus Village

Lapland, in northern Finland, is renowned for its breathtaking winter landscapes and ideal conditions for viewing the Northern Lights. The region offers a magical experience, especially in locations like Rovaniemi and Ivalo, where long, dark winter nights from September to March provide the best opportunities to witness the auroras. The famous glass igloos in resorts like Kakslauttanen offer a unique way to view the lights from the comfort of your bed, making it one of the most popular choices for aurora enthusiasts.

In addition to aurora watching, visitors to Lapland can enjoy traditional Finnish activities such as reindeer and husky safaris, or visit the charming Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. Whether you choose to stay in a glass igloo or a cozy log cabin, Finland’s combination of winter adventures and the Northern Lights makes it one of the most immersive destinations for aurora viewing.

8. Canada (Yukon and Northwest Territories)

• Best Time to Visit: September to April
• Latitude: 64°N (Whitehorse), 62°N (Yellowknife)
• Accessibility: Direct flights to Whitehorse (Yukon) and Yellowknife (Northwest Territories)
• Accommodation: Cabins, lodges, and wilderness retreats
• Viewing Conditions: Clear skies, low light pollution, frequent aurora activity
• Unique Features: Winter wildlife, dog sledding, and the vast, remote landscapes of northern Canada

Canada is home to some of the best Northern Lights viewing spots in the world, particularly in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. The city of Whitehorse in the Yukon and Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories offer some of the clearest skies and minimal light pollution, making them ideal for catching the auroras. The best time to visit is from September to April, with long nights providing ample opportunities to see the lights.

In addition to aurora viewing, visitors can experience the vast wilderness of northern Canada, with opportunities for wildlife viewing, dog sledding, and snowshoeing. Remote lodges and wilderness retreats offer immersive experiences, far from any city lights, allowing you to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the region. Whether you stay in Whitehorse or venture into the more remote areas of the Northwest Territories, Canada’s northern regions provide an unforgettable backdrop for witnessing the Northern Lights.

9. Frequently Asked Questions About Seeing the Northern Lights

9.1 When is the best time to see the Northern Lights?

The best time to see the Northern Lights is typically from September to March, when the nights are longest and the skies are darkest. The peak viewing season varies slightly depending on the location, but winter months generally provide the most opportunities.

9.2 What countries are the best for seeing the Northern Lights?

The best countries for seeing the Northern Lights include Norway, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Alaska (USA), Canada (Yukon and Northwest Territories), and Russia (Siberia). These locations are within or near the Arctic Circle, providing optimal conditions for viewing the aurora borealis.

9.3 What country is it easiest to see the Northern Lights?

Norway, particularly in the northern regions like Tromsø, is considered one of the easiest places to see the Northern Lights. It has frequent aurora activity, clear skies, and good accessibility, making it a top destination for aurora seekers.

9.4 Do I need to book a tour to see the Northern Lights?

Booking a tour is not necessary, but it can enhance your experience, especially in more remote areas. Many destinations offer guided Northern Lights tours, which can take you to prime viewing spots and provide expert knowledge. Alternatively, you can rent a car and explore on your own, as long as you’re in a location with clear, dark skies.

9.5 What are the best accommodations for viewing the Northern Lights?

Unique accommodations like glass igloos in Finland, cabins in Norway, and wilderness lodges in Canada and Alaska offer excellent opportunities to view the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. These accommodations are often located in areas with minimal light pollution, maximizing your chances of seeing the auroras.

9.6 How long should I plan to stay to see the Northern Lights?

It’s recommended to stay for at least 3-4 nights to increase your chances of seeing the Northern Lights, as sightings are never guaranteed. Weather conditions and solar activity can affect visibility, so staying longer provides more opportunities.

9.7 Which month is best for the Northern Lights?

February and March are often considered the best months for viewing the Northern Lights due to longer nights and generally clearer skies, though you can also have great chances from late September through early April in most locations.

9.8 Where in Finland can I see the Northern Lights?

The best places to see the Northern Lights in Finland are in Lapland, particularly in areas like Rovaniemi, Ivalo, and Kakslauttanen. These locations offer minimal light pollution and long winter nights for optimal viewing.

9.9 Where are the Northern Lights visible in Europe?

The Northern Lights can be seen in several European countries, including Norway, Sweden, Finland, and parts of Scotland and Iceland. The best viewing spots are typically within or near the Arctic Circle, where aurora activity is most frequent.